It’s been exactly one year since my Paris adventure, and I’m still daydreaming about it. Hard not to. It was a fantastic trip with girlfriends and family visiting me, and time went too fast. In a blink of an eye, my month was over, and I was home again, lamenting, that’s it?
I can’t seem to shake my Paris obsession. I often imagine myself living there. Who am I kidding? I think about it every day! What if I did move there? What would that look like? Hmmm, let me think about that. At my worst, I catch myself searching rental properties in the Marias or Champ de Mars, calculating rent from euros to Canadian dollars. BTW, it’s a horrible exchange rate! Nevertheless, Paris is a magnet for me and seems to pull me closer daily.
The idea of moving to Paris sometimes seems ridiculous, packing up my belongings and putting them into storage, leaving my friends, family and dog behind. My sons are away at school and live in different cities. Isn’t this the freedom I’ve finally been waiting for? My girlfriends would hopefully jump at the chance to visit their friend in Paris, right?! Have I forgotten anything? Can it be this simple? For once, I would like to listen to my inner voice and do what I want, not what’s best for everyone else.
It’s conflicting, leaving what I know for uncharted territory. Yes, I’ve often been to Paris, but always for a holiday. So does this have to be any different? As a francophile, I would immerse myself in French courses, art history and anything else I could sponge up. Cooking? Wine? Perhaps wear a beret? I know there’s a vast network of expats. They, too, are trying to meet like-minded people who share a passion for all things French. What’s not to love?
So, is this a reality or still a dream? I’m not sure yet. I’m planning a quick trip to Paris in the fall and will need to explore my options before making any decisions. Although I can’t seem to kick the practical side out of me, I will try harder! With so many changes in my life, I’m optimistic that the new year might be the perfect time for an opportunity like this. There’s a lot to consider, and I’ll keep you posted!
LC
xo
My daughter is weighing completing a summer semester at Sciences Po in Paris and asked me to buy her a bunch of book off of Amazon on the subject of living in Paris. I can’t believe there are at least 10 on that topic, but it seems to be the place for many expats – or future expats 🙂
Yes…Paris is a huge draw for so many, your daughter will love the experience!
I’m learning French with hopes of moving to the south of France after my son graduates high school. I too have “the voice inside my head, do what I want and not what’s best for everyone else” and it’s hard to drown it out when you have kids. But I’m hoping I get the chance.